World Trade Center Health Program Aids Responders in Our Region

Last updated: September 15, 2026

NewsWK — Many residents in Bennington County and nearby communities have deep ties to New York City. In fact, some local neighbors served as first responders during the September 11 terrorist attacks. Others lived or attended school near Ground Zero when the towers fell. Today, the World Trade Center Health Program continues to provide critical medical care. Furthermore, this essential care remains completely free decades later.

Stateline reported that thousands of eligible Americans still register for these federal benefits each year. For instance, roughly 3,500 people enrolled during 2025 alone. Even 25 years after the attacks, serious illnesses are only now surfacing for many survivors. As a result, federal medical experts urge eligible residents to seek evaluation.

Why it matters

This enduring federal support matters directly to local families across three neighboring states. For example, relocated survivors in Southern Vermont, Rensselaer County, and Berkshire County benefit greatly. These retired responders do not need to travel back to Manhattan for routine checkups. Instead, a national clinician network delivers local care at zero out-of-pocket cost. That framework protects household finances. In addition, it ensures fast access to specialized disease screenings close to home.

How does the CDC 9 11 health program provide care across state lines?

The CDC 9 11 health program operates a nationwide network outside the New York area. Consequently, this system allows enrolled responders and survivors to receive specialized care anywhere they live. Patients access trusted local clinicians in their own hometowns. Meanwhile, the federal government covers all approved medical claims without charging deductibles.

Capt. Kristi Anderson serves as the chief medical officer for the federal initiative. In her remarks, she emphasized that regional access remains essential for relocated participants.

“That highlights the importance of having that nationwide provider network, so patients don’t have to come back to the New York metropolitan area to get care. They can just get it where they live,” Anderson said.

Furthermore, recent medical research reveals that regular monitoring saves lives. For example, program participants lived 35 percent longer than lower Manhattan residents of the same age. Federal officials credit these outcomes to routine cancer screenings, timely care, and strong clinical support. In 2025 alone, the federal program spent $355 million handling medical claims. In total, those funds covered care for 61,000 enrollees nationwide.

What conditions qualify for 9 11 survivors medical care?

The federal initiative covers an evolving list of conditions linked to toxic Ground Zero exposure. Specifically, enrollees receive complete coverage for certified cancers, chronic respiratory illnesses, digestive issues, and psychological trauma. Federal authorities continually review medical research. Because of this, they expand coverage as delayed symptoms emerge over time.

Federal data shows that certified conditions fall into several main health categories:

• Cancers of various types, diagnosed in roughly 40 percent of participants
• Chronic lung issues, affecting about 30 percent of patients
• Gastrointestinal disorders, reported in 25 percent of enrollees
• Asthma conditions, treated in 16 percent of members
• Post-traumatic stress disorder, diagnosed in 13 percent of cases

In addition, Congress added uterine cancer to the approved coverage list in 2023. Medical experts stress that chronic conditions often take decades to emerge. Meanwhile, Dr. Iris Udasin directs the clinical center of excellence at Rutgers University in New Jersey.

“We are still here and would love the privilege of taking care of you,” said Udasin.

Who can receive Ground Zero health benefits today?

Ground Zero health benefits serve both emergency responders and community survivors from the attacks. Eligible groups include firefighters, police officers, construction workers, and clean-up volunteers. In addition, residents, office workers, and students in the designated lower Manhattan exposure zone qualify. These individuals receive full benefits under federal guidelines.

Federal officials estimate that 400,000 people lived, worked, or studied near Ground Zero during the disaster. Today, more than 250,000 of those individuals remain eligible but have not yet registered. Furthermore, the program protects rescue workers who responded to the Pentagon. It also covers workers who served at the airline crash site in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

However, applicants must meet specific geographic and timeline rules to gain approval. Participants must also maintain primary health insurance to receive treatment. Once enrolled, members pay nothing out of pocket for certified diagnostic tests. In addition, prescription drugs and ongoing clinical therapy remain entirely free.

What is the history behind the James Zadroga Act?

Congress passed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act in late 2010 after years of advocacy. President Barack Obama signed the measure into law in early 2011 to establish federal funding. Subsequent legislation extended the vital healthcare safety net through 2090. Consequently, the law protects survivors for life.

The law honors a late New York City police detective who died from toxic exposure at Ground Zero. Initially, the legislation provided $1.6 billion over a five-year period. Later reauthorizations secured operations through 2090. Most recently, President Donald Trump approved a federal budget containing nearly $1 billion for the program. In addition, the initiative has invested nearly $200 million into more than 150 environmental health research studies.

Today, New York maintains the highest participant total. Next, New Jersey follows closely with nearly 17,000 patients. Florida ranks third, while Pennsylvania ranks fourth. Thousands more live across California, Texas, and Arizona. For residents living in Bennington, Manchester, or neighboring towns, these resources offer vital health support. Best of all, they do not require travel back to the city.

Related: Border County Tax Pressures Mount as New York Shifts SNAP Costs

Related: Federal Rule Restricts Medicaid Funding for Youth Gender-Affirming Care